'Nothing Beats Europe With The Blues'

Kevin Mirallas’ recollections of the Goodison Park European nights two seasons ago have already whetted his appetite for Everton’s 2017/18 continental adventure.

Mirallas rates the Club’s last foray in the Europa League as amongst the best experiences of his Everton career to date.

The Toffees enjoyed some memorable wins at home in the competition during 2014/15, beating Wolfsburg 4-1, Lille 3-0, Young Boys Bern 3-1 and Dynamo Kyiv 2-1, before suffering elimination at the hands of the Ukrainian side in the last 16.

It was a particularly productive European campaign for Mirallas who scored three times in total.

A seventh-placed finish in the Premier League was enough to secure another Europa League quest next season, with Ronald Koeman’s side set to enter at the qualifying stage which begins in late July.

“Two years ago we played in the Europa League and the atmosphere at Goodison was amazing,” Mirallas told evertonfc.com.

“It’s been the best feeling for me here and I hope next season is the same.”

As well as Everton’s potential for success both domestically and on the European stage, Mirallas believes his new deal gives him the platform to continue his international career with Belgium.

The 29-year-old has won 56 caps for his country since debuting in 2007 and knows good form for Everton next season will enhance his chances of starring at a second World Cup.

He was part of the Belgium squad that reached the quarter-finals in Brazil in 2014.

Mirallas continued: “After the season ends, I will go to the national team. We have two games - one friendly (v Czech Republic), one World Cup qualification match (v Estonia). It’s very important for the country and me as well.

“Next season is very important for the Club but I know that if I play well then I will have a chance of going to the World Cup. That’s my ambition.”